Assyria â€“ New Zealand Memorial Plaque

Â By : Gaby Kiwarkis
On the18th April 2010. , Assyrians and New Zealanders will gather at Trentham Military Camp in Wellington New Zealand.
The gathering is to commemorate the late Captain Robert Kenneth Nicol of the Wellington Regiment who in August 1918 fell in battle whilst assisting Assyrian refugees flee to safety from the village of Chalkainan 100 miles south of Urmia, the event will also honor Assyrian combatants and all Assyrians who fell during the Great War.

On the18th April 2010. , Assyrians and New Zealanders will gather at Trentham Military Camp in Wellington New Zealand. The gathering is to commemorate the late Captain Robert Kenneth Nicol of the Wellington Regiment who in August 1918 fell in battle whilst assisting Assyrian refugees flee to safety from the village of Chalkainan 100 miles south of Urmia, the event will also honor Assyrian combatants and all Assyrians who fell during the Great War.
The day will begin with gathering at the parade ground where the Assyrian flag is given full honors and flown at full mast over the sacred ground, then a Maori greeting to Assyrians [Powhiri] welcoming fellow warriors to their land, then we follow a Military band and an armed honor guard to the Trentham Memorial chapel to unveil the dedication by Assyrians to one of New Zealandâ€™s sons.
Our gift to New Zealand consists of two plaques, first, a dedication from Assyrians to captain Robert Kenneth Nicol MC for his ultimate sacrifice for Assyrian refugees. Second plaque tells the story of Assyrians and how many perished during WWI and under what circumstances.
The New Zealand Military Guard will then pay the Assyrian flag the greatest honor by firing volleys with a six gun salute while the Military band plays the Assyrian national anthem [ music notes where requested for this task].
Two flag exchange ceremonies will follow, first with the Maori and second with the Military, this ceremony consists of each party exchanging their national flags, it confirms friendship between two peoples.
The ceremony will take place at 10.00hrs on the 18th aril 2010, at Trentham Military camp in Wellington New Zealand, all are welcome to attend.All enquiries to
Gaby Kiwarkis